
A Championship rugby league club has provided its fans with an update following a High Court appearance following financial pressures.
Rugby league is not in the strongest position financially in this country, something that is self-evident with the folding of clubs such as West Wales Raiders and London Skolars in recent years.
Newcastle Thunder teetered on the edge at the end of the 2023 season whilst Super League side Salford Red Devils’ current financial issues are well-documented.
Championship outfit Halifax Panthers are another rugby league team who have been in financial troubles lately with the club first confirming “immediate risk” in September 2024 when they released a statement.
Following an initial statement that revealed a £200,000 hole in their finances, the club provided updates whilst also batting away reports of HMRC winding up orders.
Prior to today, their most recent update came in December with the club issuing a confident statement about their High Court HMRC case – the initial hearing of which was today.
Halifax Panthers rugby league club release statement after High Court appearance
That December update had revealed that the club’s High Court appearance was adjourned until January and it has now been confirmed that the hearing was today.
In what they have dubbed “positive progress”, the Championship outfit have released a statement to update their fans and reassure supporters.
Their statement read: “High Court Update: Positive Progress for Halifax Panthers
“The Board of Directors are pleased to provide an update following today’s High Court hearing (29 January 2025) regarding the club and HMRC.
“Importantly, the winding up petition was not passed. The judge has directed both parties to submit additional evidence and documentation as part of the process.
“We want to reassure our supporters that this matter is being handled professionally, and the club remains in honour throughout. Day-to-day operations continue as normal, and our focus remains firmly on preparations for the season ahead.
“As always, we appreciate your continued trust and support and will provide further updates when appropriate.”
As explained in the statement, the fact that the Winding Up Petition brought forward by HMRC was not passed is a major win for the club and means that they can begin their Championship season in February.
However, the requirement of further evidence to support their case will leave fans feeling uncertain about when and what the next update brings.
